Students Aiming for High-Altitude Dreams
Posted: December 12, 2013A group of four Gannon University students are collecting
donations to assist in the funding of a senior research project.
The engineering students are conducting the Gannon University
Raspberry Pi Space Initiative (GURPSI), which will send a computer
into the Earth's atmosphere via high altitude balloon while
recording its every move with picture and video.
The project is being researched and constructed by Chair David
Kramer, software engineering major and information systems majors
Coordinator Tim Wiley, Scribe Jon Clark and Production Manager
Daisuke Takagi.
"The team has been working really hard every week, attempting to
stay ahead of schedule. This is a very challenging project, but the
finished product and launch will be well worth all of our hard
work," said Kramer.
The team is hoping the Raspberry Pi computer will reach between
85,000 ft. and 110,000 ft. after launch. This type of feat requires
some specific technology and equipment, such as a helium tank
holding 190-210 cu. ft. of gas, a satellite GPS tracker, a
radiation sensor/shield and a parachute, to name a few items.
The students have created their own webpage for the project, which includes an on going update on the
status of their research and work with photos, video and blog
posts. In an effort to successfully complete their senior projects
and complete their education at Gannon with a memorable achievement
of a lifetime, the team is collecting donations from now until
February by applying for research grants, and finding support from
within Gannon's community and the surrounding Erie community as
well.